Play It Like That

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Professional reviews
Play It Like That

Studio album by Bardot
Released	12 November 2001
Recorded	2001
Genre	Pop
Length	45:24
Label	Warner Music
Producer(s)	Michael Szumowski Michael D'Arcy Phil Burton Ray Hedges Murlyn Ollie J
Herald Sun
Bardot chronology
Bardot (2000)	Play It Like That (2001)

Play It Like That is the second album from Australian pop group Bardot, released November 2001. The album debuted at #16 on the ARIA album charts, achieving gold status and was praised by many critics who initially believed Bardot would fade away after their first album. The tracklisting comprised of 12 songs which presented a more mature and sophisticated sound. Replacing the bubblegum pop of their debut album was the use of more contemporary urban and dance influences, produced by both Australian and international producers. Adding to Bardot's credibility was the fact that each member co-wrote several of the album tracks.

[edit] Reviews

Herald Sun:

First, the bad news: "I Need Somebody" is the best pop tune here (not to mention validating their existence in three minutes flat). Now the surprising news: several songs here are nearly as good. Bardot, more comfortable now being pop artists than just Popstars, get a big red elephant stamp for improvement with their second album. Wisely shopping overseas for songs and not just clothes raises their position on the pop food chain. "Play it Like That" is R&B with a UK edge; the cocky "Don't Call Me I'll Call You" spits out poison; and "Dirty Water" provides the pop with a twist, as did their underrated gem, "These Days", last time around. Scandal'us, be afraid. Be very afraid. In a word: sassy. 3 stars

Ninemsn:

Since Bardot were conceived by the hands of the media machine, there was always the question whether they were going to be chewed up and spat out by a massive case of over-exposure. Their first self titled album seemed to do away with any doubts that the girls had talent, and now with the release of Play It Like That it will be seen if the group can further their credibility, and ultimately establish some longevity. Sorry to disappoint merciless critics and cynics, (including yours truly) but these four girls can hold their tunes, together too. Play It Like That is still entirely pop, with a few dancy embellishments thrown in to keep music lovers happy, but there is a little bit more depth there which suggests that the band has grown over the last couple of years. The incredibly catchy "I Need Somebody" is a slice of funky disco that has been all over the airways, "Play It Like That" samples new studio sounds with 2 step beat, hints of Spanish guitars and horns (yep all in the one track). The same 2 Step garage feel on "You Got Me Feeling" and "Don’t Call Me, I'll Call You" is rather J-Lo- esque. The poppy "Love Will Find A Way will certainly find it's way onto radio, and the slinky sound "Girls Of The Night" is very apt song for Bardot. Play It Like That is good, no, it's better than good - it's first rate, and it will see the girls winning their harshest critics over. They have served their apprenticeship, and deserve the success that they have worked hard for. Play It Like That will certainly launch them into the international circuit and turn heads. As Tiffany says "It's new, it's fresh, and it's about us, and not a TV show, this time around, we've changed, the band has changed, the music has changed."

The Advertiser:

This album sees the foursome on their own. Having a greater musical input has paid dividends. The album has a fresher, more inspired sound. It opens with the digital beats of "Play It Like That", followed by the very formula dance sound of "I Need Somebody", burst open by a sweeping rush of energetic chorus. "Feel Right" is a boppy little gem of a song, while the snappy "ASAP", uses a sharp chorus to create polished pop. "When The Cat's Away" is an encore performance of "ASAP" and "Love Will Find a Way" is a nice melodic pop ballad. The electronic beats, sexier attitude and rich harmonies has them back bolder than before. 3 and a half stars.

The Undercover Review:

Well, what do you know ... this album is actually good. Pardon the skepticism, but coming off their debut manufactured Popstars musical Lego set, it was hard to expect anything from Bardot. However, "Play It Like That" is a genuine treat. What we have here is some very tasty R&B and pop. "Play It Like That" is a mighty creative leap. The title track merges some interesting elements ... pop, R&B and jazz, very tasty. "I Need Somebody" is another slab of R&B, pop. What is immediately obvious with the second Bardot album is despite where they originated from, we have a great mix of hard working talents who over the last year have discovered each others strengths and weaknesses and work toward compensation. "Feel Right" is a perfect juggle of voices created on top of a dance driven Motown beat. Sophie had a hand in writing that one. "A.S.A.P" was the first single but Warner wisely didn't lead with the trump card. "Don't Call Me, I'll Call You" is has a powerful black sound. Musicianship hasn't been lost here either. "You Got Me Feeling" has some tasty acoustic guitar and "It's Alright" captures funk and disco. Of course the token ballad is here. "Before I Let You Go" will most likely roll out as a key song later in the life of the album. More dance pop in "Girls Of The Night" and "When The Cat's Away" is a little more fun to finish off the album. You are forgiven for placing nil expectation of a new Bardot album, but coming from that perspective "Play It Like That" is a real treat.